What do you need to do to have a successful fund-raising event?
A dedicated and generous board is important.
Make it a who’s who night.
Interesting auction items especially variety, will appeal to all.
Get a different crowd, not the same folks who attend Asian community events.
It’s all of the above for Wing Luke Asian Museum’s annual auction and dinner at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel held last Saturday, raising $310,000 from close to 500 guests.
The majority of The Wing’s board members had organized or purchased tables. Mind you, each ticket cost $$150 to $250. They also invited rich guests, especially from the mainstream who love art and are willing to bid high for auction items.
Govenor Chris Gregoire and First Gentleman Mike came for the first time to the Wing’s event at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, last Saturday. They also donated two tickets during the auctionto the Governor’s Mansion for the holiday reception. The bid sold for $600.
Unlike typical Asian events where you only see one kind of art, either Chinese, Japanese or Korean art, the Wing is able to attract a mix of dynamic Asian American artists’ traditional and non-traditional work, ranging from photos to oil and water painting to sculptures to all kinds of medium.
It’s a breath of fresh air! ♦
Thank you so much, Assunta! So great of you to come and write about The Wing. We do have a great board and an AMAZING staff. Also, wonderfully generous supporters! We’re very proud to be a part of a community organization that reaches APA’s and beyond. Thanks, again. All best, Mimi Gan (a trustee)